Francis, of the noble family of Caracciolo, in The Abruzzi, Southern Italy, determined, during a severe illness, to devote himself to the Service of God, so as to be ready when The Master should come to take him away (Gospel).

A Letter, delivered to him by mistake, apprised him of a Project of two pious men to Found a new Religious Institute. In this, he saw a providential sign and he became one of the Founders of The Order of Minor Clerks Regular.

At his Profession, he took the name of Francis, on account of his Devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi. To the love of Penance, he added a great zeal for Prayer (Collect). Burning with love for The Blessed Sacrament, his heart melted like wax when he was in the presence of The Tabernacle (Introit), for there he felt the overflowing sweetness prepared by God for those who fear Him (Communion).

He died at the age of forty-four, in 1608, on The Vigil of Corpus Christi, and, "although his life was short, he completed a long course, for a spotless life is equivalent to protracted years" (Epistle).

Following Saint Francis Caracciolo's example, let us Pray and reduce our bodies to subjection (Collect), so that, burning like him with the fire of Charity, we may worthily kneel at The Communion Table (Secret).